Travel Assistant

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. Numerous additional intergovernmental instruments on migratory species conservation have been adopted under the broad umbrella of CMS which are supported by the CMS Secretariat. In addition, two regional agreements on migratory species adopted under CMS have independent Secretariats which are co-located with the CMS Secretariat in Bonn - the African Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and the Agreement on the Conservation of European Populations of Bats (EUROBATS).

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. In the present context, UNEP provides the administrative functions for the CMS, AEWA and EUROBATS Secretariats.

This post is located at the Bonn duty station in Germany and is a part of the Administrative and Fund Management Unit of the CMS Secretariat. Under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary and the day-to-day supervision of the Administrative Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:
**Responsibilities**:
1. Provide administrative support for smooth travel arrangements for different categories of travelers on entitlements, policy and procedures on official travel in accordance with governing travel rules and regulations.
2. Liaise with line divisions and travelers to ensure proper and complete pre-travel documentation.
3. Check the most economical routing/itineraries for the requested days/dates in consultation with the travel agent and determine the mode of travel arrangements i.e. prepay or affiliate tickets or through other UN offices.
4. Determine entitlements (class of travel and allowances) in conformity with the established regulations.
5. Liaise with contracted travel agency on complex itineraries and issuance of tickets, approves travel and shipment authorizations including amendments in the United Umoja tool to ensure conformity with applicable rules.
6. Review travel claims for completeness, accuracy and validity before presenting for certification and payment.
7. Coordinate with UNON on ad hoc Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA)/MSA rates wherever applicable.
8. Brief travelers on standard practices, visa requirements and summarize travel advisories whenever required and promptly respond to queries and address complaints from the travelers.
9. Perform partial and complete cancellation of travel request in Umoja platform.
10. Approve expense reports that are routed to the travel unit in accordance with rules and regulations, where applicable.
11. Process, review travel agency invoices and uploading to the system.
12. Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
13. Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned, such as: facilitating the work of the Secretariat in general administration and replacing colleagues on annual or sick leave.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Proven technical expertise in the field of travel services, or related area with a specialization in administration and logistics; The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; establish effective collaboration and partnerships with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services